Paws & Play with Doctor J.

With spring cleaning upon us, I've decided it's not only time to do the deep-cleaning the floors, carpet, and surfaces deserve right this moment, but it's time to use this celebration of sanitization to kickstart myself into better cleaning habits all year round, for myself, and my pets.

From cat trees to recirculating water fountains and beyond, Dr. J and I discuss a lot of the pet-related cleaning that we should be doing with some frequency, that many of us (myself very much included) probably aren't.

Topics: Cat Health, Dog Safety, Dog Health, Cat Safety, adult dog tips, puppy tips, paws and play, pet-safe cleaning products

One of Preventive Vet's newest staff puppies, Mary Berry, just had her spay surgery done, and with it, came the Elizabethan collar that many of us humans refer to as the "Cone of Shame".

While she was banging into walls and the backs of our legs, it brought up some questions for many of us in the office, so we figured it would be a great opportunity for Dr. J to give us the lowdown on all things E-collar, including how to use desensitization training to get your dog or cat used to it before they actually have to wear it.

Topics: Dog Safety, Dog Health, adult dog tips, puppy tips, paws and play

Contrary to what many people may believe, not every dog is cut out for doggie daycare — for a host of reasons.

So, if you're thinking about getting your puppy, or even your mature dog started at daycare, this is definitely an episode you won't want to miss.

Dr. J and Mia talk to one of Preventive Vet's newest team members, Cathy Madson, a certified dog behavior and training expert, about what to expect and not expect from a doggie daycare. Health and behavior issues to think about before and while a dog is at daycare. Red flags to turn you away from a daycare facility. And a whole lot more!

Topics: Dog Safety, Dog Health, Socialization, puppy proofing, adult dog tips, puppy tips, paws and play, dog daycare

New Years is just over two weeks away, and while the sound of champagne bottles popping almost never goes off in my home, fireworks booming nearby, and a frenzied vacuum making its way around the house before guests arrive both happen way more often throughout the year than I'd like.

For some animals, these noises instill fear that literally makes them feel as though the sky is falling. And it doesn't take a loud boom, sometimes it can be something as common as a microwave beep, or the popping of bubblewrap.

Thankfully, there are a lot of different tools, resources, and desensitization and counterconditioning techniques you can use with your dog or cat, to help them understand everything will be ok. Don't forget, the best plans are made early, and tested early.

Topics: Cat Health, Dog Safety, Dog Health, Cat Safety, New Kitten, holiday pet safety tips, Cat Tips, Noise Phobias, puppy proofing, adult dog tips, puppy tips, paws and play, noise aversions

The gift-giving season has arrived, and for many children (and adults), a cute, snuggly dog or cat is on the list of what they are wishing for.

Over the years, there has been a lot of controversy when it comes to whether or not gifting a pet for the holidays is a good, or terrible, idea.

Thankfully, from the data currently being reported, it seems as though a Hanukkah Husky, Christmas Calico, or Kwanzaa King Charles Spaniel isn't such a bad idea...as long as you do it the right way. On today's episode, Dr. J and I go over the pros and cons, lots of things to take into consideration, and if you decide to add a new family member, tips for setting yourself (and them) up for success.

Topics: Cat Health, Dog Safety, Dog Health, Cat Safety, New Kitten, holiday pet safety tips, Cat Tips, puppy proofing, adult dog tips, puppy tips, paws and play, common products toxic to dogs

While this is not a particularly "fun" episode, this is an incredibly important one. Xylitol is an all natural sugar substitute found in an increasing number of products, including some peanut butters, and it is absolutely deadly to dogs.

I can tell you that if I didn't work at Preventive Vet, I probably wouldn't know about Xylitol toxicity (or Xylitol at all), and that is a dangerous place for a dog owner to be, which is why spreading awareness is so important. On today's show, we talk about what Xylitol is, signs that your dog may have ingested Xylitol, important steps to take (immediately) if you know or suspect that your dog has ingested Xylitol, and how you can help other dogs and their families and #GetXylitolOut.

Topics: Dog Safety, Dog Health, Xylitol, puppy proofing, adult dog tips, puppy tips, paws and play, #IfOnlyIKnew, common products toxic to dogs

We've got a really fun episode with our special guest, Dr. Marci Koski, a feline behavior and training consultant who is helping cats and their humans live better lives together.

She shares a lot of great tips for better communicating with your cats, some great reasons to start training your kitties, and even walks us through a fun training exercise that takes just a few minutes for you and your cat to learn.

We hope to have Marci back with us on another podcast soon. If you've got general cat training or behavior questions, please let us know and we'll do our best to include it on an upcoming show.

Topics: Cat Behavior, Behavior & Training, Clicker Training, Cat Tips, paws and play, Cat training, feline behavior, feline training

Halloween is probably my favorite time of year. It's a magical time when people let their creativity shine! And we're not the only ones dressing up — our dogs and cats are now being transformed into Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Chewbacca, Mr. Rogers, and other superheroes.

This episode, Dr. J and I discuss what makes a good Halloween costume for pets, fun ideas for celebrating with them, and of course, how to keep things safe for everyone. If you've got a photo of your animals dressed up, please share them with us, we'd love to see them!

Topics: Dog Tips, Cat Tips, paws and play, Best pet products

If you're like me, the variety of leashes, leads, collars, and harnesses can make shopping for them an incredibly overwhelming experience. Also if you're like me, you may be left scratching your head as to why there are so many options.

So, I asked Dr. J to tell me a bit more about the variety of products on the market, why you would want to choose one over another, and why you should absolutely stay away from certain products like retractable leashes, choke & prong collars.

Topics: Leashes, Dog Collars, Loose-leash Walking, Walking on a Leash, Harness, Dangers of retractable leashes, Dog Tips, Cat Tips, Cat Collars, paws and play, Best pet products

If your cat is going into the litter box frequently, straining to pee, or can't pee, stop what you're doing and bring them to your vet or the emergency vet immediately.

Thankfully, this was something I learned early on in my career here at Preventive Vet, because when my cat, Mazel, started exhibiting these symptoms I was able to jump into action and address what ended up being a urethral obstruction before it could do too much damage, or become fatal.

This episode, I share my story in the hopes that it will spread awareness and help others more quickly identify the symptoms, and Dr. J answers some of my post-hospital questions, as well as offers some tips for preventing re-obstruction.

Topics: Cat Emergency, should I buy pet insurance, Feline Urethral Obstruction, My cat can't pee, Dog Tips, Cat Tips, paws and play, uo, cat pain